Tiberius “Tribute Penny” Denarius Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• One of the most famous and widely recognized silver coin types of the early Roman Empire
• Traditionally identified as the “Tribute Penny” associated with the New Testament
• Strong appeal for collectors interested in biblical history, Roman imperial coinage, and historically resonant types
• Features the classic portrait of Tiberius and the iconic seated reverse often linked to Livia / Pax
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-striking methods
• Each coin is intentionally irregular — like ancient originals

Best suited for collectors seeking one of the most recognizable and historically resonant Roman silver coin types, especially those interested in biblical history and early imperial coinage.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Tiberius “Tribute Penny” denarius is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the famous Roman imperial issue traditionally associated with the biblical “Render unto Caesar” passage. Revered for both its historical importance and its New Testament connection, the type features Tiberius on the obverse and the well-known seated reverse commonly identified with Livia or Pax.

Each piece is individually struck by hand rather than cast, preserving the irregular flan, varied relief, and surface character associated with ancient silver coinage. Unlike machine-pressed copies, hand-struck replicas retain the depth, individuality, and visual character that make ancient-style coinage so distinctive.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• The Tiberius denarius traditionally identified as the “Tribute Penny” is one of the most historically and culturally recognized silver coin types of the early Roman Empire.
• It is widely associated with the New Testament passage in which Jesus is asked whether it is lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, making it one of the Roman coin types most frequently discussed in biblical and historical contexts.
• Struck during the reign of Tiberius (AD 14–37), the type combines the emperor’s portrait on the obverse with a seated female figure on the reverse, commonly interpreted as Livia in the guise of Pax.
• Beyond its biblical association, the coin is also important as a representative silver issue of the Julio-Claudian period, reflecting imperial authority, dynastic imagery, and the monetary culture of early imperial Rome.
• For many collectors, its appeal lies in the rare combination of Roman historical importance, strong recognizability, and enduring connection to biblical tradition.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references, including:

– RIC 30

– RSC 16a

– BMC 48

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Tiberius “Tribute Penny” denarius replica

Denomination represented: AR denarius

Authority / Mint: Lugdunum (Lyon, France)

Era represented: 14-37 AD

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 3 gr

Dimensions: approx. 17-19 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Laureate head of Tiberius, right
Legend:
TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS

Reverse: Livia as Pax, with ornate legs, seated on a throne right and holding branch and long scepter, footstool below feet
Legend:
PONTIF MAXIM

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, and surface are expected.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

Explore related Tribute Penny and Roman coin pages:

• Tribute Penny meaning and biblical context
• Tiberius Tribute Penny denarius silver replica
• Roman denarius replicas